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Talk about contentious: Samsung’s Omnia i900 has been heralded as everything from the best Windows Mobile smartphone yet, to the oft-fabled iPhone killer. Take a look at the spec sheet and you can see why, with a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 3G, WiFi, GPS, haptic feedback and a choice of 8GB or 16GB internal storage, the Omnia certainly has the goods on paper. It’s not exactly ugly, either, with metal where the iPhone 3G now has plastic and that clever little optical mouse. So to the big question: is Samsung’s flagship smartphone all mouth and no action?
Check out the video demo of the Omnia after the cut
Let’s start with what they’ve got right. First off, build quality is great, with just about every touch-point on the Omnia feeling top quality. The brushed metal back might not be as functional as rubberised rivals, but it feels twice as expensive, as do the straightforward send/end keys on the front. They flank the optical mouse – a plastic square that tracks your finger’s movement and clicks in to select – with the rest of the controls being along the top (the power and reset buttons) and down the right side (menu shortcut, volume/zoom rocker and camera shortcut).
At 127g the 112 x 56.9 x 12.5mm smartphone is solid and generally reassuring. On the left side you’ll find a sturdy loop for fastening on the separate stylus, together with the proprietary Samsung connector for recharging the Omnia or plugging in a handsfree kit. You’ll find both AC adaptor and handsfree in the box, with Samsung providing a 3.5mm adaptor cable should you prefer your own headphones, together with a USB data cable and Windows Software CD.
Switch on, and it’s a mixed bag. The 3.2-inch 240 x 400 screen is relatively bright but not as color-rich as, say, the iPhone 3G or even HTC’s Touch Diamond. An accelerometer flips the orientation from portrait to landscape as you tilt the handset, though the rotation animation is not quite fast enough to avoid being annoying. Rotation works in all apps aside from the camera. One added extra above Apple’s handset is the haptic feedback, although it’s a love-it or hate-it feature. Basically, the phone quickly vibrates whenever you touch the screen.
If we were particularly unkind, we might say that the reason for the Omnia needing haptics is because its screen is less than responsive. Like every other Windows Mobile handset, the Omnia uses a resistive touchscreen; they’re simply not as sensitive as the capacitive technology used in the iPhone’s display. The result is a handset where stroking and swiping can be jerky and inaccurate as, unlike the Apple cellphone, you need to keep a regular degree of pressure as you gesture.
Gesturing is something you’ll be doing a lot of, as Samsung have followed in the lead of HTC and others by introducing a more “user friendly” graphical interface to Windows Mobile. In this case it’s a version of Samsung’s existing TouchWiz GUI, as seen on their F480 ‘Tocco’ and F490. As with HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, TouchWiz is intended to make the handset finger-friendly so that you need never actually reach for the stylus.
Thing is, both the Tocco and the F490 have capacitive touchscreens, and they also don’t have the complexity of Windows Mobile 6.1 partially hiding under the surface. That makes them less flexible, certainly, but in a more controlled environment it’s easier to make the interface consistent. It’s consistency that’s sorely lacking in the Omnia: the main menu is a joy of big, clear, jabbable icons, which then drop you either into the standard WM6.1 app or an uncomfortable hybrid of Microsoft and TouchWiz. A little more advanced than the original version of TouchFlo, but several steps behind HTC’s latest GUI.
Similarly, the optical joystick is a neat idea but one with mixed results. It can either mimic a traditional D-pad (up, down, left & right; push in to select) or give you control of an on-screen mouse, with the latter being perhaps more successful. However the touchscreen rather negates the value of having a mouse at all, and in our general consensus a standard D-pad is more straightforward (in particular, you know exactly how many times you’ve clicked in a direction with a physical D-pad). One neat feature (also to be found on the HTC smartphone) is the ability to silence incoming calls simply by turning the Omnia face-down on the table. Samsung leave this off by default – probably so new users don’t wonder why their phone sometimes doesn’t ring – but it’s useful and deserves to be flagged up in the initial tutorial.
Of course, no matter how you access it, Windows Mobile is a flexible and potentially powerful OS and the Omnia is no different. There are thousands of third-party apps to be had, and Samsung themselves preinstall Google Maps, Shozu and a customized version of the esteemed Opera Mobile 9.5 browser. There’s the usual messaging suite, supporting SMS, MMS, POP/IMAP email and push-email from an Exchange account, together with Office Mobile (allowing for Word and Excel file editing and PowerPoint viewing), a PDF viewer and RSS reader. Sadly TouchWiz is yet to extend fully into these apps too, leaving a variety of interfaces from basic navigation arrows to tiny scroll bars.
Perhaps Samsung think the Omnia is more likely to be used as a media device, as its entertainment functionality is much more successful. The ‘Touch Player’ replaces Windows Media Player, an exchange few will mourn, bringing with it big buttons, an FM radio (with twelve presets and the ability to record shows) and a bevy of video codecs: MPEG4, h.264 and, more unusually, DivX and XviD. An optional TV Out cable can be used to play footage back on a bigger screen. Plug in the USB data cable and anything under 720 x 480 can simply be dragged across, though the Omnia’s 65,000 color display might not do them full justice. Sound quality, though, is excellent, with headphones being the obvious choice but even the built-in speaker doing a decent job.
In a useful improvement over both the Touch Diamond and the iPhone 3G, the Omnia includes a microSDHC slot content with cards up to 16GB in size. Pick the 16GB handset, then, and there’s up to 32GB of space to play with; it’s enough to make you forgive Samsung for hiding the memory card slot under the rear cover, where you’ll need to take out the battery to get at it.
Also lurking around the rear cover is the Omnia’s other multimedia weapon, a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and a surprisingly bright LED flash. Make no mistake, this puts the Omnia head and shoulders above other Windows Mobile handsets; options are various (resolution, flash, autofocus, exposure, ISO, saturation, contrast and more) and those commonly changed are easily accessed from the main preview screen. Images can be GPS tagged and then edited on-device, and quality is good. Video recording is limited to 640 x 480 resolution at 15fps, with files in MPEG4 format, though we found clips to be unduly jumpy in playback.
A second, lower-resolution camera is on the front of the Omnia, and that segues neatly into our biggest complaint about the handset: its 3G. Or, to be more specific, the lack of 3G in the US. Despite the Omnia being quadband GSM, its UMTS is 2100MHz only: that means the 7.2Mbps HSDPA so many would-be buyers had got excited about will only be available in Europe. Instead, the Omnia maxes out at the distinctly mediocre EDGE in the US, meaning no video calls, no high-speed browsing using the wonderful Opera browser, and only the most basic of streaming media (music at a push, no chance for video).
In the midst of testing the handset, we had the opportunity to ask Samsung’s US reps about the decision to go with single-band UMTS. Despite us seeing more than one person there with their own Omnia (all imported, since the handset isn’t officially available in the US yet), nobody could explain the bizarre omission. Nor could they comment on whether Samsung are planning a more US-friendly version for any point in the future.
It’s a shame, because generally as a phone the Omnia is decent. Call quality is good, with minimal wind noise or background static and a surprisingly rich tone for both parties, while the speakerphone is as good with talk as it is with music. The 624MHz Marvell PXA312 processor shows no lags even with multiple apps running (a long-standing bug-bear of WM) and we’ve had usage times pretty close to Samsung’s claimed 500hrs standby or almost 6hrs talktime. That’s probably been helped by only using GSM not 3G.
There’s a lot to like about the Samsung i900 Omnia. The GPS and high-resolution camera both work well, battery life is good and it’s undoubtedly a handsome phone. You can take your pick whether to blame Microsoft for Windows Mobile 6.1’s fiddly interface or Samsung for not fully covering it up with TouchWiz; hopefully future versions will do a better job. What’s most definitely Samsung’s fault is the absence of US-spec UMTS, and for many of the power-users that would be the Omnia’s obvious audience that could be the deciding factor.
If you can live without the 3G (or, of course, if you live in an area that has 2100MHz UMTS) then the Omnia deserves to be on your shortlist. No, not an iPhone 3G killer, and not even “the best” Windows Mobile phone ever, but a solid option and likely to be a popular one. If Samsung do the sensible thing and launch the Omnia in the US with right UMTS frequencies, however, you’d certainly be looking at one of the best WM smartphones around.
Click here for the full Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia gallery
Samsung Omnia Video Demo:
22 Responses to “Samsung Omnia i900 WM6.1 Smartphone Review”
J.O. August 15, 2008
No 3G, no Xenon flash and screen resolution is meh…Disappointing! It’s not bad, but not quite it for the price they ask.
-3Naresh August 15, 2008
What makes the author think that this is not a iphone killer?
+3I would trade a windows WM, 5 megapixel phone any day with the iphone. Anyways Samsung already has plans to release a 3G enabled version of this phone on ATT network in the 3rdQtr.
Chris Davies August 15, 2008
It’s a good question, Naresh, and obviously different people will come to different conclusions about the Omnia. Basically, for us it came down to ease of use – both of software (the iPhone is still more straightforward to use, even with Samsung’s TouchWiz modifications) and of the touchscreen. Drag-scrolling is smooth on the iPhone, juddering on the Omnia unless you always use the stylus.
A 3G version for the US would make a difference, yes, as I said in my conclusion. But that difference would only be in terms of browsing speed, not interface or other hardware. The Omnia is a good phone, but not – in my opinion – an iPhone killer.
Neutralmohit anand August 17, 2008
truth is every phone is compared to iphone when the real fact is iphone has only 2 things over others, extraordinary marketing by apple and great touchscreen bu that’s all it has has. this and diamond is light years ahead of iphone 3g overall in my opinion
+1Jeffrey Dee August 18, 2008
The Samsung Omnia not an iphone killer? I for one love the Omnia. And the widget base Today Screen. The Today screen is more functional than the IPHONE. And the optical mouse is a joy to use. Add the ability to increase ram via micro-sd card, the built-in gps, the business card reader, tv out function and 5mp full function camera- and you get one GREAT IPHONE KILLER! Plus the fact you can downloads lots of third party Software without APPLE strict Third Party rules.
+2The Dark Lord August 19, 2008
I find the attitude of Apple people quite ridiculous. OK the iphone introduced a new idea for a phone, but that’s it. That doesn’t mean u r suddenly the market leader. The iphone is not even half the phone any WM phone, blackberry phone or Symbian phone is. There are so many basic things missing for a real business phone that the iphone just doesn’t have. Frankly Steve jobs doesn’t seem to care either. He does have great marketing and ATT behind him to trick you and tell everybody your phone is so cheap. I cannot believe people are stupid enough to believe that shit.
And what’s up with the hiding BS of not telling everybody when and what. And then not even having everything that all the people allover the internet ask for. Just start with an MMS. All the stupid simple phones today have it, for years actually. What were you thinking Steve, not even copy and paste … you are not really comparing this to a real WM phone are you … I could write 5 pages here, but I don’t want to depress you to badly Chris
I find it funny how so many iPhone users write reviews for WM phones that are so much better then their own phone now. I mean it is sad that you have to lie to yourself to like the phone you bought … now that there are other options.
But only people who actually had a WM phone and actually dealt with it and understand it could really evaluate a fantastic phone like the Omnia. Great job Samsung. As soon as the i907 comes out I will have one.
The Dark Lord
+2Chris Davies August 19, 2008
Hey Dark Lord :)
5 pages is fine, you won’t depress me. Thanks – to everyone – for taking the time to comment. Funnily enough, I wouldn’t actually consider myself one of the “Apple people”; I’m not a huge fan of OS X, I had no interest in the original iPhone (and repeatedly criticised it here and on iPhoneBuzz.com for its absent features, chiefly 3G) and I didn’t really want to like the iPhone 3G. I’ve actually used WM handsets far more than I have Apple’s device; in fact I wrote the “newbie review” because I had so little experience with it: http://www.phonemag.com/apple-.....073743.php
What I said here, said there, and will continue saying is that where the iPhone 3G shines is in the interface. Yes, the Omnia has all manner of extra features (and I wish I was back in the UK so I could test out its 3G and see it really fly), but the way you access them simply isn’t as user-friendly. If you can’t use apps slickly, users won’t bother; for instance, touch & drag just doesn’t work as well, with a finger, on a resistive touchscreen.
I want WM to do better – I want a choice of tempting handsets so wide that a trip to the nearest phone store makes me weep because I can’t have them all – and I’ve no interest in seeing the iPhone wipe out the competition. None of us will defend stupid PR, like not maintaining open dialog when users are having problems with your product; that’s not great marketing or even brain-washing, it’s just rude. But would HTC or Samsung have put so much effort into TouchFLO 3D or Touchwiz if the iPhone hadn’t come along? Both sides learn from each other, and spur each other on to better things – at the end of the day it’s the consumer that wins.
NeutralLordmortlock August 23, 2008
It sounds to me like it comes down to whether consumers are prepared to put up with the slight clunkiness of 6.1 and the manufacturers attempts to mask it (TF3D et al) in order to get the flexibility and greater spec from the latest WM phones. We d all chose a 5 megapixel camera, video recording and HSDPA if we were asked but I guess its testament to Apple that they ve managed to produce a product thats just so damn usable that it almost balances out the comparative lack of spec. Great point tho… its fantastic to watch the manufacturers pushing each other so hard at the end of the day we consumers win… look at the choice of great kit we have! Im an N95 user in the UK and Ive just upgraded to the Omnia (free on orange… yaay!) It arrives tuesday. One question… am I going to miss the 16million colour screen on the N95? Will a mere 64000 colours be obviously worse?
+4Chris Davies August 23, 2008
The screen on the Omnia is pretty good, and it’s generally a decent handset, so I don’t think it’s going to be a situation where you’re obviously disappointed. I’d be very interested to hear how you find the Omnia, so please do leave a follow-up comment!
+2Mark August 24, 2008
I know what you mean about the drag and drop on the touchscreen as it can be a bit awkward at first; however, once you’ve used it for a day or so it becomes second nature – a firm touch and swipe and it’s brilliant. I actually find the interface better than the iPhone’s because of the haptic feedback – the iPhone just felt dead when I touched the screen whereas the Omnia gives that tactile feeling that keyboard users like myself crave.
Definitely better than the iPhone for me as it’s better featured, isn’t bolted to iTunes, is less clunky and ‘2007′ in look and just feels better in hand.
+2Lordmortlock August 27, 2008
I recieved the phone this morning! Ive only had a little play with it (as apparently Im supposed to be doing some work) but I must admit its a bit fiddly. The main problem seems to be that Samsung have only partially covered up the 6.1 UI… a pretty, finger friendly contacts screen takes you into a familiar, dated windows inbox if you select send message. The WM icons are tiny and needed frequently… fine with a stylus but the omnia doesnt have a stylus port and Samsung expect you to attach the rather girly stylus with a lanyard… it looks a bit like an eyeliner! Add to that the fact that the touch facility seems a bit sluggish and differs from menu to menu, theres only haptic feedback on some text entry and the accelerometer doesnt seem to work (on mine at any rate) and you have an experience that feels… well… a bit unfinished. A shame, as the camera, opera and some of the samsung interfaces seem excellent. Ill give it a good go later but its a bit disappointing to be honest. Ho hum….
NeutralChris Davies August 27, 2008
Thanks for the feedback, m’Lord! And I’m sorry to hear you’re less impressed than you hoped to be; at the end of the day, whichever gadget people decide on, we’d prefer them to be happy about their choice :(
The accelerometer can be turned off in the options somewhere (sorry, I haven’t got the Omnia in front of me right now) so it might be worth checking to see if it comes disabled. Otherwise I’d get in touch with whoever supplied the phone.
Let us know how you get on!
+1Lordmortlock August 28, 2008
Having spent the evening with the phone Im feeling a little more positive today! The widget thing isnt really my bag… much prefer the samsung today menus… and the lack of stylus slot is balanced by a super little mouse that works suprisingly well. Theres a lot to get ones head around (especially after using a N95 for 18 months!) but its slowly getting more intuitive. And of course its WM so Im in download heaven. Anyone who is initially frustrated should persevere… I look forward to discovering more. And thanks for the accelerator tip Chris… found, switched on and works a treat!
+1Shadyshifter August 28, 2008
I think omnia is better than iphone.Here’s why I think people go for iphone rather than other phones because they expect to get same usability as apple computers,but that’s simply not going to happen.Having said that I don’t think it’s a bad phone sure it brought some new ideas to the mobile phone industry but that’s it .Now it’s time to step off and let an other phone have the spotlight.The omnia to be exact it’s way better than iphone apart from UI but everytime a new UI comes to the market your gonna have to get used to it same with omnia.I know this might hurt little fanboys out there but I don’t care omnia is BETTER than iphone
+2Alexandre Machado September 18, 2008
Don’t like this phone very hard to work and dont have any options, very week in memory and i think iphone its the best, but i am waiting for Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, have many things but sony knows how to make good software, just to say that the only company capable to use full potencial of Java Plataform 8.1 and that why the W910i and K880i its the mosted sell in all europe
-1Stancam September 24, 2008
I’m suppose to have Smasung Omnia for free as rtention unit for my infinity plan, so I browsed over all your comments. I currently have XDA flame and honestly no one seemed to mention it anywhere here. XDA flame is so full of features that executives need- esp. appointments, calendars, tasks, and still have 3-G, office apps, and most of all- the handwriting recognition feature which I always prefer over letter-buttons! can anyone with XDA flame experience and now on omnia make a comment pls.! hate to be sorry for getting omnia- I still intend to have another flame.
NeutralHaroun Kola October 8, 2008
I got the Omnia for the Video recording capabilities, wanting to be a video blogger, but it seems that my favourite cross posting site Blip.tv isn’t too happy with the native format of the Omnia.
I’ve read elsewhere that the video recorder can record in all of its codecs, any idea how to change to one that’s more blip.tv friendly?
NeutralDeemon October 11, 2008
I’m planning to buy the Omnia next week but am a bit confused. I currently use a blackberry curve & am very happy with it, so I’m not too sure if I should upgrade to blackberry bold or the Omnia. Also I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about the Omnia.
Any suggestions that can help me decide which mobile to buy?
Neutralmikey October 29, 2008
shorty i said. “samsung omnia” is way~ better than i phone.. so i phone is sucks! thank you! lol peace out!
Neutraljacky October 29, 2008
i agree with that “mikey” samsung omina? that’s amazing phone
Neutralabcyesn November 1, 2008
I realised that whenever i install 3rd party apps. and those are required to be installed in the device memory, it will install in the device memory’s storage, but not program memory. is there anyway to install them in program memory? because the device storage have very little space. I have 3.14mb storage memory and 48.92MB storage memory left in the device.
NeutralDarwin Orpiano November 1, 2008
Me I know the sales price for this kind of mobile phone? Ahm, that way I want to gate the sale price because someday I to buy this mobile phone.. but Sir/ma’am.. If you want.. thank You very much… Godbless….
-1